Dear Jordan, From Atothebed

If anybody asked, it was always you. We’ve got history. You watched me grow up and we grew up together. After high school, they told me I needed to let you go, that I was getting too old for you. They told me that you weren’t good for me anymore, that I needed to focus.

I listened for a bit. But I knew in my heart what it was. Even my dad loved you.

My first pair of basketball shoes was the Jordan “Oxidized Green” XIV. The first pair of Jordans I bought with my own money was the 18.5 (what can I say? I really liked Melo). The first pair of sneakers I bought when I got my first job at Foot Locker was the “Cardinal” VII.

Today you’re probably more likely to see me in Jordan I’s over any other J. The I is my go-to. My hitta. I’ll probably grow old with it.

But the one that always meant the most is the “Space Jam” XI. Everybody remembers their first love, right? This was mine.

The Space Jams remind me of where it all began: watching Looney Tunes and wanting to be just like Lola Bunny before I realized I couldn’t be a cartoon rabbit basketball player. Later I would learn that being 5’3 with a decent shot and a mediocre handle meant I couldn’t be a basketball player either.

But then I would find myself. I would learn to ignore the comments about leaving my “tomboy” phase behind. Instead, I embraced it. Later I would cash my first cheque from Complex. Just a baby one, but it was Complex. Then I would start a blog series with Finish Line. I would also get my first feature on Modern Notoriety, and my photo wearing the Space Jams would get reposted over and over. Eventually, I would write my first invoice for Nike (Jordan).

In November 2016, you sent me a very special customized box for the Space Jam anniversary. My own water bottle and jersey and everything. It meant the world to me.

So here, this is my love letter to you.

Jordan, without you I’m not sure where I’d be. We started in the playground and now we’re all grown up. Thank you.